A crucial aspect of the divorce process is the division of the couple's assets and debts. Divorcing spouses may need to address the marital home, vacation homes, bank accounts, retirement assets, investments, business interests, and much more. However, to discuss these issues practically, both spouses must fully disclose their income, property, financial resources, and liabilities. Lying about finances, undervaluing property, or failing to disclose assets are all forms of financial fraud that can impact a divorce considerably.

What Does Financial Fraud Look Like?

Spouses who want to shield money or property from division during the divorce may use several different methods to falsify financial information. Some fail to disclose offshore accounts, business interests, or other assets that the other spouse is unaware of. Others undervalue the worth of assets. For example, a spouse may buy an expensive piece of art but report that the art’s value is only a fraction of its true value.

Illinois law punishes violent offenses more harshly than non-violent offenses. A conviction for domestic battery can lead to criminal penalties including heavy fines and jail time. If you have been accused of harming a family or household member, you may be up against some serious charges. Your career, personal reputation, and very freedom may be on the line.

Responding to Allegations of Domestic Abuse

Domestic battery is defined as causing bodily harm or making physical contact of an insulting or provoking nature to a family member or household member. If the alleged offense is committed against a child or causes great bodily harm or disability, the offense may be considered aggravated battery. This is an elevated offense punishable by up to seven years in jail. The way you handle charges of battery or domestic battery can heavily influence the eventual outcome of the case.

Prenuptial agreements or premarital agreements are contracts that engaged couples draft prior to getting married. If you are engaged to be married, congratulations! As you embark on your married relationship, it is important to consider not only the romantic aspects of the union but also the financial consequences of getting married. Read on to learn about prenuptial agreements in Illinois.

Prenuptial Agreements Are Becoming More Popular

More and more people are starting to understand the value of a prenuptial agreement or “prenup.” Modern couples realize that 40 to 50 percent of marriages do eventually end in divorce. Preparing for this possibility is crucial. Prenuptial agreements are increasingly popular in the millennial generation. Many young people want to protect their hard-earned assets and shield themselves from debts. Prenuptial agreements allow them to do this.

When parents get divorced, they must address important issues like parenting time schedules, the allocation of parental responsibilities, and child support. Parents are asked to formalize agreements about child custody and other child-related issues in their parenting plan. However, divorcing parents often struggle to reach agreements on these important matters. In cases such as these, the court may assign a guardian ad litem. Parents may also request a guardian ad litem (GAL) to be assigned to the case. Children cannot always advocate for their own interests. A GAL’s job is to learn the facts of the case and make a recommendation to the judge about the case’s outcome.

Advocating for the Child’s Best Interests

A guardian ad litem may be assigned to any case involving children. The GAL’s role is to represent the child’s best interests and provide the judge with first-hand knowledge and insight. Before a GAL can decide what is best for the child, he or she must thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding the case. The GAL may visit the parents’ respective homes and take note of any safety concerns. He or she may observe the child interacting with each parent and other family members look for signs of child abuse or neglect. The GAL may also conduct interviews with the child, the parents, teachers, daycare workers, and other individuals involved in the child’s life. School reports, medical records, police reports, and other records may also act as evidence in the GAL’s investigation.

Sex-based offenses are typically punished much more harshly than other types of criminal offenses in Illinois. Someone who is convicted of a sex crime such as sexual abuse, rape, or possession of child pornography may face significant jail time in addition to other criminal penalties. However, some of the most significant consequences of a sex crime conviction do not involve the criminal justice system. These consequences come in the form of irreparable damage to the offender’s reputation.

Being listed on the Illinois Sex Offender Registry can significantly impact your ability to gain employment and secure housing. It can devastate your personal and professional reputation. Understandably, many people accused of sex crimes wonder if they will have to register as a sex offender.